brokenness

Reveal Day 3 Heartache’s Hope

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 147
Hosea 11:1-8
Isaiah 60:1-7
Isaiah 61:1-4
John 3:14-21

Reveal, Day 3

This will be a tough Christmas for me and my family.
We lost my uncle in February.
My sister, only 48 years old, went to be with Jesus on Easter morning due to Covid-19.
My grandmother is entering hospice care.
Tears come unbidden as I write. 

It’s been an incredibly traumatizing year and for the first time since my dad died twenty years ago, I can physically feel my heart ache. It’s like part of me is missing. Do you know that feeling? I don’t like it, but it’s here to stay for a while.

I anticipate that as Christmas arrives, this ache will be worse. It was my sister’s favorite holiday. Elaborate decorating . . . many gifts lavishly wrapped . . . all born of a genuine love of giving and sharing, especially during Christmas. She was like a bright star in December. I know my holiday, my world, will be a bit dimmer without her.

As I write about heartache, I think about the Israelites. I cannot imagine the pressing ache of waiting, generation after generation, for a promised Savior who would crush the enemy underneath His feet. (Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20) I have a hard time waiting 17 days for something, so 1700 years seems unimaginable.

They endured so much during those 1700 years. They were exiled several times because they just couldn’t follow God with all their hearts. After one exile, when they returned and were trying to rebuild, rich Israelites took advantage of poor neighbors. They were so ruthless, they accepted their kinsmen’s daughters as payment for taxes! (Nehemiah 5:5)

They should have worked together to help rebuild, not just their city, but also their relationship with God. Instead, they tried to soothe their heartache with money and power over the weak and poor.

And you know what?
Their actions broke God’s heart.
Just read Hosea 11:1-8 again.

Can you feel the hurt and heartache of God? But God is merciful and loving. As He always does, He gave them a way to return to Him, to be His people again:

“If [. . .] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

God knows we can only be whole through Him, so He has provided an eternal road back to Him, even when we break His heart.

When the 1700 years was up, God delivered His promise.
But His promise wasn’t just for Israel.
It was for us, too.

Jesus came to “bring good news to the poor [. . .] heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Isaiah 61:1-2)

This promise from hundreds of years earlier was for Jews and Gentiles alike, which includes us. Jesus came to free us from looking to anything or anyone else for freedom and healing because He “is the way, the truth and the life.” Just like the Israelites, we can get caught up longing for something better, instead of looking to the One Who is better.

Let’s face it, living in this world is hard. There is no living without heartbreak and heartache. Sure, it points to the brokenness of the world. But it also points to our own insufficiency: we cannot heal ourselves.

We try, though. We shop, eat all the comfort food, drink, use drugs, isolate, or even deny our pain, but none of these will bring light to our darkness. Similarly, not one idol, power play, or act of rebellion brought light to the Israelites’ darkness. Instead, Jesus came, died, and rose to free us from sin and death. (John 3:16-17) And that’s not even the full picture!

If we look to Isaiah 60, we see God’s full promise to the nation of Israel, and to us. Israel will no longer live in darkness. Jesus will reign there and the glory of God will shine so brightly, darkness will be cast out. Forever. He will draw in other nations, who will find the light they’ve been searching for everywhere else. What a wonderful picture!

Even better, we don’t need to wait for eternity to experience the light and healing of Immanuel, God With Us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Further, if you have accepted Christ, the light of the Holy Spirit lives within you.

Sisters, let us connect with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let us be radiant and rejoice in Jesus, the light of the world. (Isaiah 60:5)
Until He returns, let us look to Him for our comfort, healing and light.

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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Reveal Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched VIII Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) When justice seems to have vanished. When anger, hurt, betrayal, and an overwhelming sense of being utterly alone sweep over you. When you are there, you can relate to Hagar. Her story is one of the greatest outcast narratives in the Bible, and the glorious encounter she experienced with the Lord Himself is all the more beautiful because of her place of defeat. He met her in the desert places of her heart with an oasis of love, tender care, and deep knowing that embraced her brokenness and hurt in a way no one else could. Where do you recognize parts of your story intersecting with Hagar’s? What part of the Lord’s encounter with her do you long for in your own life? Take this to God in prayer, share it with a trusted, believing friend, and trust the Lord sees and knows you and your scenario as deeply as He did for Hagar!

2) What Zacchaeus lacked in stature and integrity, he compensated for in passionate pursuit. He was hungry, and He knew it. He had heard of Jesus and He wanted more. Life wasn’t fulfilling despite his best attempts to satisfy his palate for wealth and prosperity. Jesus, however, already knew Zach’s story. He already knew every detail, every sin, and every lonely place in Zacchaeus’ heart. He was wooing Zacchaeus’ heart long before Zacchaeus climbed that Sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of the Lord. It’s easy for us to think we are the ones who need to chase Jesus, capture His attention, and be close to Him. But this isn’t the heart of God revealed in Scripture. He is already near to each of us. Perhaps you’ve been running and you’re feeling wearied by the chase. Take to heart that Christ Jesus already knows your story and loves you!

3) Yesterday, Carol led us beautifully into one woman’s story of responding to Jesus’ majesty, kindness, and gentle love. Being near Him carried a cost for this woman as she was outcast of all outcasts. Simply being present near Him carried the risk of being shoved aside and trampled. This woman went farther still though, she dared to touch His skin and wipe His feet with a love she had first felt extended to her through His divine grace. There at the feet of Jesus, the woman gave her gift that had cost her everything, yet she left full, whole, and satisfied for an eternity to come. Emptying everything had resulted in all-surpassing fullness. Forgiven. Shameless. Whole. Don’t let the idea of surrendering to the God who loves you completely keep you from experiencing the abundance He offers to all who come to Him.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Luke 19:8-10 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

Prayer Journal
True repentance always brings about life change. Father, the more I follow You, the more I see how there are highs and lows in the genuine following of my everyday life. Sometimes, I feel so close to You, while there are entire seasons where I wonder if You have forgotten me. Lord, teach me in all seasons to hold unswervingly to the truth that You are always fully present, always taking me deeper with You, and always making me new. Teach my heart to dwell in a state of humble repentance towards Your Spirit, so I am ready to keep following You.

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Worship VI Day 1 Is He Worthy

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 53:1-12
Revelation 5:1-14
Revelation 7:9-17

Worship VI, Day 1

I have felt the brokenness of the world with my own two hands. I have grasped at broken pieces as they crumble and fall in little heaps on the floor.

I have seen darkness closing in on me as shadows become darker until, it seems, I can’t even see my own hands before my eyes.

I have heard the groans of creation come forth in the sounds of broken-hearted mothers weeping and sirens moaning while babies wail for compassion and children scream for love.

You have, too, haven’t you? You’ve felt the brokenness, seen the darkness, and heard the groans. You’ve ached so deeply in your soul that you’ve felt it physically manifest inside your body. You’ve longed so earnestly in your will for redemption that your beating heart has felt a pull and made your breath catch.

I see you.

It feels hopeless, sometimes, doesn’t it?

Take heart, dear one. The darkness doesn’t stop the light from shining through. No matter how small the light, the darkness will never fully encompass it.
Light always perseveres.

A friend introduced my mom and I to the modern-day-hymn, “Is He Worthy?” about nine months ago, when the brokenness, darkness, and groaning was pouring its way into our lives at every corner. Seven months later, more brokenness, more darkness, and more groans as we prayed my sister into Jesus’ arms and released her earthly body into the same earth we were created from.

Over the last three years, I’ve written many Journey Studies for Gracefully Truthful. The more I write, the more I learn about the Almighty, which overflows into deeper, more intimate worship to Him because I more fully comprehend the words I’m singing.

I’ve learned that Jesus coming from the “line of Judah” means that way back in the Old Testament, when Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, had twelve sons, the twelve tribes of Israel came from each son, and Jesus’ genealogy goes all the way back to Judah. In that line is Rahab, the prostitute who God saved because she feared Him, and King David, the shepherd who eventually became King of Israel and was a man after God’s own heart. I know Him better, so I can worship Him deeper.

The chorus of “Is He Worthy?” is taken from Revelation 5.

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son

Jesus is the Lion of Judah.
Jesus conquered the grave when He rose from the dead three days after dying.
Jesus is the unsuspecting King, just as David was. 
Jesus died to ransom you and I, who were slaves to our sin and thereby sentenced to eternal death.

Jesus is the great rescue, the Redeemer, and our answer.
Jesus has made a way for every people, every tribe, every nation, every tongue.
When we choose to let Him cover our sins, we join the Heavenly Kingdom, we are made priests to God, and we are heirs with Christ Himself.

Jesus is our living hope!

When the brokenness, darkness, and groans feel like they’re just too much,
when our world seems utterly hopeless…

Take heart!

We are never without hope!
That hope is Jesus.

Our hope exists because the Light of Christ will always overcome darkness!
Our hope is that the world will be made new!
Our hope is that, though the enemy wins battles…
Our God has won the war! 

The Father loves us.
The Spirit moves in and among us.
Jesus is alive and we will dwell with Him one day.

This song has moved and rolled and tumbled inside of me as I’ve listened to it again and again… and again. So. Much. Hope.

I had the privilege of writing about Living Hope – who is Jesus – and the inner shift that happens when we start focusing more on Him. Maybe the darkness doesn’t seem so dark, maybe the closing in isn’t quite so tight.

Because of incorruptible Living Hope.

Because He is King,
Because He is God Himself,
Because He is,
Jesus is worthy. 

He is perfect and holy.
Flawlessly without sin.
And He gave His life so you and I might have life!

He is worthy! He is whole!
He is breaking the seal and opening the scroll that will begin the transformation from old world to new…

We have hope because He is worthy.

Sing (and probably cry) along with me, sisters, as we listen to this song with new understanding and enter into a time of worship that is so much richer, because we know Him more deeply!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Worship VI Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Worship VI!

Sketched VI Day 6 Cassidy

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Thessalonians 1:2-7
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Sketched VI, Day 6

I used to think my story was boring.
Just your typical, “I grew up in a Christian home, found Jesus, was baptized, and went on my merry way all before I entered second-grade,” kind of story.
Those things are true, but I’ve learned how the Lord uses every story–sensational or otherwise–to show His redeeming power. 

When I was six, my parents divorced. People often ask if I remember my parents when they were married, and the short answer is no.
I do, however, remember feeling confused.

How could you stop loving someone?
How could my mom file for divorce? 

A daddy’s girl at heart, I quickly jumped on board with whatever Dad had to say about my mom. His bitterness, blame, and judgement clouded how I saw my mom. As both of my parents remarried, I initially didn’t think my mom deserved to get remarried. In my mind, Mom was the enemy of my story, the reason nothing was as it was supposed to be.

Quite frankly, there wasn’t much spiritual fruit in my life when both parents got remarried. New siblings were born, I moved across town, and changed churches. Even though I wasn’t a fan of these changes, I can now see that God knew exactly what He was doing. 

After my first year in a new youth group, I attended summer camp. One of the evening sessions ended with a time of response. As the band played Come as You Are, leaders coached us through a time of reflection:
When had I felt like God abandoned me?
Easy.
There was no way He had been in the midst of my parents’ divorce. 

But, in those moments of honesty, God spoke into my brokenness.
“I was with you and I love you.”

Cue the tears. I came to God in the messy form of my teenage self.
He met me and redeemed my story.

That same week I forgave my mom in a prayer room and symbolically washed away the bitterness inside me. She wasn’t the enemy. The brokenness of a sinful world was to blame. God called me to forgiveness, and bitterness had become exhausting.

I really believe God redeemed my sinfulness at seven years old, but the Lord used those moments at camp to draw me back, renew our relationship, and awaken me to real life.
Church became the body of believers with whom I craved community.
Community group became the place where I dug into the Word and asked hard questions.
I began taking active steps of obedience toward Christ as He called out to me.

Several years later, in the same room at camp, after an incredible time of worshipping God, I sat down for another evening session. Even today, I can show you the page of notes where I quickly wrote the speaker’s arresting question:
“After a time of worship like that,
why are you not going where God has called you?”

I didn’t have to wait long for my answer.
From way out in left field, the Holy Spirit clearly called me to vocational ministry.
I told my friends and leaders, and headed home determined to chase this call.

And then I came down from the mountaintop experience.
I loved the teaching internship I’d started that fall.
Maybe I could minister to kids as a public school teacher.
I made plans to study elementary education, was accepted into a school, and even placed a housing deposit for the dorms.

God is a God of peace, and He gives peace when we walk in His call. Ephesians 6:23 says, “Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I never had peace about pursuing education.
Just eight months before beginning classes, a family friend asked about my college plans. My lack of peace brought immediate tears and the Holy Spirit immediately convicted me for my lack of obedience in pursuing His calling over mine.

I went home and told my parents I needed to attend the undergrad program at our local seminary. There were a lot of questions, but peace set in quickly as I applied and scheduled a tour.

Here I sit, preparing for another year of school, on staff at my local church, and serving in many ways at church beyond my work roles.
Walking into ministry was, and still is, a scary pursuit for me.
I desire security.

Vocational ministry doesn’t provide monetary security.
There is no guarantee I will find “success” or that I’ll see the fruit of the seeds the Lord sows through me.

What I am guaranteed through seminary training is intense spiritual growth and preparation to walk confidently on the path He has laid out for me.
Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us He goes before us and will not leave or forsake us.
I cling daily to this truth!

God uses our seemingly boring stories to display His glory and redemption.
He redeemed divorce and the bitterness that ensued
into a story of hope.
He redeemed my stubborn resistance to a scary ministry calling
into a story of His guidance and provision.

“So we set our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched VI Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched VI!

Dwell Day 15 Practicing This Gospel

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 103:8-10 
James 1:22-25
Philippians 2:1-11
Galatians 5:7-15 

Dwell, Day 15

Do not merely listen to the Word, Sisters, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the Word and does not apply it
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,
and after looking at himself,
goes away and forgets what he looks like.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard,
but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does!
(James 1:22-25) 

Beep, Beep, Beep! I swat off my alarm, stumble toward the bathroom and pause with my hand on the light switch, bracing for the onslaught of light.
With one eye open, I squint up at the mirror.
Ugh, there I am in all my morning glory; a sorry sight for even just one half-open eye!

Puffy eyes, pasty complexion– and that hair!
Wow, just wow!

This mirror is not my friend!
But wait, maybe it is.

Mirrors don’t lie.
What sort of friend would look at this mess, tell me I look gorgeous, and allow me to go to work this way?  I hate how it points out my mess, yet without the mirror’s truth-telling, how would I know I look like a fright?

The mirror simply shows me the truth.
It’s up to me to take corrective measures and fix the obvious problems.  

Just as my bathroom mirror points out my glaring physical imperfections,
God’s Word is a mirror for our souls. In His word, we encounter truth.

Like the mirror reflects our physical image, 
so the scripture reveals the contents of our hearts.
As we encounter truth, we see our error.
We are then confronted with the choice of taking corrective action through the help of the Holy Spirit, or ignoring the issue, hoping it will solve itself.  

Just like the mirror directly points out my obvious need for make-up and hair brushing, so Scripture points out where my attitudes and actions need adjustments.  

Scripture says, 
“Do nothing out of selfishness or vain conceit, 
but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 
Each of you should look not only on your own interests, 
but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Staring up at me from the mirror of truth is my selfishness.
A wild-eyed girl, hands on hips and stamping her feet, brazenly demanding her own way.  And I am ashamed that a daughter of the King should behave as I have done.

My spirit is broken, like the Father’s, over my sin.
I long for restoration, and I run to His open arms, knowing He is for me, ready to bring redemptive healing and a heart like His. 

Scripture says, 
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, 
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, 
that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

However, sneering up at me from the mirror of truth are my harsh words and sarcasm.
A snaggle-toothed hag leering garishly, the sword of my words brandishing high.
And I am aghast at the ugliness of my soul.  

Scripture declares,
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. 
Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves 
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1

However, bondage to my flesh stares back.
A pitiful slave-girl gazing up with pleading eyes, begging for release, while clenching her own chains possessively.
My heart reaches for her in empathy, yet I’m powerless to lift her shackles.  

Yet scripture whispers:
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, 
abounding in love. 
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor His anger forever; 
he does not treat us as our sins deserve 
or repay us according to our iniquities.”
Psalm 103:8-10 

In this glorious mirror of Truth, we find Grace, with the name of Father, Son, and Spirit. Here we find our strong and compassionate Father,
extending the nail-scarred hand of the Son,
ready and able to lift us to freedom through the untamable power of the Spirit.
Rooted in truth, buoyed by grace, we are enfolded in His robes of righteousness.

In that moment, the selfish little girl
is transformed into a humble, compassionate princess.

The snaggle-toothed hag
morphs into a magnificent beauty with kindness on her lips.

The wretched slave-girl
rises to take her place among the redeemed royalty, shackles unleashed.

….and such is the beauty and kindness of truth and grace.  

“…you shall know the truth,” the Savior says, 
“and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

So, I bless the harsh realities the mirror of Scripture reveals,
for facing the truth is my only path to freedom through grace.
“…and whoever the Son sets free, is free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Dwell with Him, Sisters.
Dwell deeply and intimately with the King through His eternal Word,
then live free by His Word!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Dwell  Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Sketched IV Day 1 Nehemiah

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah 4
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah 6:15-7:4 

Sketched IV, Day 1 

The hot sun beat down unbearably so, making sweat run like trickling rivers down my back. Yet, the men standing in front of me with their angry demands and harsh critiques were just as much a source of heat as the blazing ball overhead.
Both were relentless. 

“You are weak, Nehemiah! You and your people!
You think you will finish this project?
Have you seen the rubble? Do you understand the depth and width of a project this size?
Oh, you think you’ll finish this in a day?!” (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
Sanballet’s tone dripped with mockery and disrespect, oozing with blatant attempts to dishonor me in front of my own people as he practically shouted his jeering remarks.

Outwardly, I took the hit, narrowing my focus on Sanballat’s wild, insecure eyes.
Inwardly, I was quaking.
Did my eyes look as equally unsure?

“Hear, O our God, for we are despised”,
it was the only prayer my heart could make. (Nehemiah 4:4)

What was I doing here anyways?
Remind me, Yahweh; wasn’t I just a cupbearer for the King of Babylon?
I’m neither a priest nor one of Your prophets, was it really You who called me to such an impossible task as this?
Seriously, Lord, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? Have you seen them?
As I lifted my eyes, surveying the walls for the umpteenth time, taking in their brokenness, seeing the despair of Israel’s people without shelter, I was reminded again, yes.
Yes, You have seen these walls, Lord. 
And just as their destruction has gripped my own heart, it has surely held Your own.

Tobiah, standing small and safe in the shadow of Sanballat, couldn’t resist adding his own clever taunt, “Ha! What they are building – if a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall!” (Nehemiah 4:3)

I resisted the urge to put Tobiah in his place with my fists, choosing instead to ignore the taunts entirely, I fixed my gaze on the ruined walls.
Just as quickly as my fears had appeared, truth was re-claiming lost ground in my heart.
The Spirit of Yahweh was moving, giving me confidence.
This wall was the Lord’s.
Striding away, leaving Sanballat and Tobiah laughing at their jokes, my resolve to do as the Lord instructed was strengthening with every step.
Build the wall. 

And that’s exactly what we did, praying constantly for God’s protection as word of the rebuilding spread as quickly as our mortar was mixed. The neighbors didn’t think it was such a grand idea for us to rebuild, protect ourselves, and act like a nation. The higher our walls grew, the angrier they became, and the heavier our prayers flew.

“We will kill them all, they won’t even see us coming.”
“There is too much rubble, we can make an easy attack.” (Nehemiah 4:10)
Angry threats from Sanballat, the Arabs, and other nations hung heavy around us, but oh how we prayed! (Nehemiah 4:9, 15)

It was ridiculously hard work trying to out-strategize our enemies, trusting God to fight for us, yet being wise in preparing for battle, all while mixing mortar, laying brick, and clearing debris. Truly though, I was daily astounded by what the Lord was doing!
We would hear of battle plans that had been foiled by God’s hand, and we would shout victory, encouraging each other all down the wall with these words,
“Our God will fight for us!”.

The threats continued, armies attacked, but the work continued.
While the walls steadily rose from the dusty ruins, a bigger problem came to light.
The poor were being oppressed by their own Jewish brothers.
Families were forced to mortgage their lands to buy enough grain to survive. Then, for lack of finances, found no other option than to enslave their own children to make payments.
We were enslaving ourselves!

My anger burned as I took in the outcry of the people! (Nehemiah 5:6)
How could Yahweh honor the work of our hands when, in our hearts and our bank accounts, on our land, and with our hands, we treated each other as slaves?!
Had we learned nothing from our ancestors who had lived in slavery to the Egyptians for 400 years?!
Uncles owned nieces, grandfathers owned grandsons, neighbors owned one another.
How could we rebuild our walls while inside, we were divided and destroyed?
Yahweh cared about our walls, 
but He cared infinitely more about our hearts.

I called an assembly and brought these heavy charges against my fellow Israelites.
“You are exacting interest, each from his brother.”
My emotion evident in every controlled word.

Tears gathered in my eyes and my hands shook as I emphasized my point,
“We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!”
Silence. 
There were no words. (Nehemiah 5:7-8)

Yahweh’s Spirit was making His point through me, so I continued with a plea.
I implored them, “Together, let’s walk in fear of Yahweh! Let’s honor Him in our hearts! Abandon this enslavement!”

The silence was heavy as I gauged their response. Would they turn their hearts back?
Then, slowly, a few came forward leading the way, raising their arms and responding,
“We will restore our brothers and require nothing from them.”

Soon the few became the crowd, and I couldn’t contain my tears.
They understood!
Our hearts would be repaired, and the Lord would build the wall.
All the assembly echoed my heart, “Amen!”, they shouted!

Families came together like never before, rebuilding sections of wall that were right in front of their own homes. Even women and children joined the work.

So the wall was finished after only 52 days of work!
And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and feared greatly, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16)

Yes, indeed, this work was undoubtedly accomplished by the unstoppable hand of Yahweh.
The Lord God, builder of walls, restorer of hearts! 

~~

Nehemiah was an ordinary man, living His everyday life.
He hadn’t gone away on a mission trip, been appointed as a pastor when he was young, or attended seminary. He lived in a foreign land, knowing nothing but exile his entire life, entered the work force just like everyone else, and risen in corporate responsibilities.
He loved his people, his nation, and the Lord.
And that was enough. 
It was enough for the Lord to use one, regular man to do the incredible. 
In the process, yes, a nation rebuilt their walls, reclaiming their identity as a nation ruled by Yahweh, but a deeper change happened inside their walls: love and justice.
I wonder, what will the Lord God do with the surrender of your “enough”?

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched IV Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched IV!

Bride Day 3 Empty Identity

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hosea 1 
Hosea 2 
Matthew 16:24-28 
2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2 

Bride, Day 3

Promiscuous woman. 
Harlot. 
Whore.  
Adulteress.  
Wife of Whoredom. 
Prostitute.  
 
I am Gomer.  
These, these names are my identity.  
I will never be anything but, these.  
 
I am enslaved to my lusts.  
No matter how much I take in, no matter how much I pursue it, it’s never enough.  
I have no satisfaction, but I cannot make a different choice.  
 
Sometimes I look around and wish for something deeper, more lasting; something trustworthy. But I can’t do it. I’ve tried. I’ve been pursued, but I find I cannot chase back. I’m powerless.  
 
Gomer. My name means completeness, fullness, a coming to the end, usually suddenly or with quick termination. Think of it like a cup that is so full, you can see the water cohesively forming a slight bubble just above the rim of the cup. One drop more and the cup would not contain the liquid. The cup is completely full and the water must stop immediately. 
 
I don’t remember a life different than the one I have now. Whatever memories I have are faded, like sketches of a dream leaving me wondering if different than now was ever anything more than a mirage. I see other women, women with children, women with husbands. True, some of those husbands I’ve seen on my street corner. But still, those women have husbands…families.  
 
Perhaps years ago, my heart would have trembled, crying out for mercy, wishing for what I do not have.
But I know I’m not worthy.  
 
But then there is Hosea.  
Foolish man, pursuing me when I have nothing to offer him.  
He is respected, has earned a fine reputation.  
He’s a prophet of Yahweh!  
Yet, he chose me as his bride?!  
 
I simply cannot fathom it.  
Surely, there’s an ulterior motive.  
More ridiculous, he has given me children.  
But I know I’m not worthy.  
I simply cannot accept this generosity.  
This kindness.  
This love? 
 
No, I will not accept it.  
All I have is shame.  
I will run.  
I will forever play the harlot.  
No one can love me like a husband, not Hosea, not Yahweh.  
No one.  
These empty identities, they are all I have.  
 
My name is Gomer, I am full.  
Full of brokenness and shame. 
 —
This was Gomer: full. 
This was Israel: full.  
Both were full of adultery.  
And the Lord was calling them into immediate obedience or suffer the consequences. The Lord’s patience was at maximum capacity for their wickedness.  
 
The Lord had watched the Northern Kingdom of Israel walk steadily away from His decrees, farther and farther into their own sin, and it broke His heart.  
He had called out, prophet after prophet, “Return, return, return!” 
But Israel refused time, after time, after time.  
Israel chased other gods, chased their own passions, lusted after others, and broke covenant with the Lord their God in ever intensifying grotesque acts of adultery.  
 
And so, one last time, the Lord God gave Israel a living picture, one they couldn’t possibly deny the reality of. He told Hosea, His prophet, to do the unthinkable and marry Gomer the prostitute while living openly among His people. 
Hosea would take her as his own and would love her deeply.  
 
But she would run.  
She would break his heart.  
She would refuse to be healed from her whoredom.  
 
The unthinkable would become the undeniable as Hosea and Gomer lived out the re-enactment of Israel’s own whoredom. 
 
This is how I love you, O Israel!  
This is how I love you, O Beloved (YOU!)! 
 
Gomer chose to run, despite Hosea’s dramatic, intentional, pursuant love.  
She held on to her empty identities and simply refused to believe that sacrificial love could truly exist for her. 
 
In the same way, Israel, the Northern Kingdom, also refused to exchange her identity.  
Israel could not, would not, believe that God’s love for her was better than any she could find on her own. Israel’s story ends here, she chose whoredom, and as a result, the consequences of her rebellion were meted out by the iron fist of the Assyrian Empire.  
Israel was destroyed.  
She chose to be her own savior and lost everything.  
 
Don’t miss this message, Sisters!  
Your Savior is calling you with the same pursuant love.  
Shame does not have to be your name.  
Regret does not have to be the skin you wear.  
Unworthy does not have to be the cloak you cover yourself with. 
 
Nothing to offer the God of the Universe? Exactly!  
Nothing we do could amount to anything, just like Gomer.  
She was powerless to earn Hosea’s love.  
And we can hope for nothing more before the Holy God.  
Which is why He did the work for us!  
 
Jesus Christ came to live the perfect live we never could  
and pay the penalty for sin in our place.  
His work.  
His righteousness.  
Our new identity.

There is a Savior.  
There is real love.  
There is hope for a new identity.  
One that begins and ends with the life of Jesus Christ as He offers Himself for you.  
Just like Israel, just like Gomer, we each have a choice to make.  
Stop running, girl.  
Drop your empty identities and be made new! 

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Bride Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Bride!

Remade Day 4
The Kingdom of Death: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s Journey Post? Check out The Kingdom of Death

Romans 5:12-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Questions

1) What is the therefore, there for? What transition is Paul making in this passage? (Remember to refer back to the previous verses to understand the full argument that Paul is making)

2) What two men, a bringer of death and a bringer of life, does Paul refer to in this passage?

3) What are the results of the trespass and the free gift? (v. 16)

4) What is the only solution for the Kingdom of Death described by Paul?

The Findings for Intention

1) What is the therefore, there for? What transition is Paul making in this passage?
It is important when studying Scripture to keep in mind most of the New Testament books are letters written to churches and there were no chapter breaks or verses attached to them, so when we jump into the middle of an argument we must go back a little to understand what argument is being made. In this particular case, you only need to venture back to the beginning of chapter 5 to understand what Paul is saying in verses 12-21. He has just told the Romans about their reconciliation to God and how, even in our sin, God made right the relation between Himself and His creation. We have been reconciled and not left in the Kingdom of Death but rather been given new life. When Paul transitions to verse 12 he begins to reiterate what he has already said making the point even more emphatically.

2) What two men, a bringer of death and a bringer of life, does Paul refer to in this passage?
There are two major players that Paul describes in this passage: a man who brought death and destruction on all of creation and a man who brought life and reconciliation. Adam was the man through whom sin entered the world and through him death and broken fellowship with God entered for all creation as a consequence of that sin. With the death and resurrection of Christ, the free gift of reconciliation and grace was made available for all creation. Through one man, Adam destruction and through another man, Christ restoration.

3) What are the results of the trespass and the free gift? (v. 16)
As we read this passage, we need to understand the nature and consequence of sin. There is judgement and condemnation for those apart from Christ. Just one trespass (sin) lead to condemnation for all men (v. 18). Through one man’s disobedience all men were made sinners, separated for all eternity, and sin reigned. There are only two positions before God – His Kingdom of life and reconciliation or the Kingdom of Death full of sin and destruction. Spiritually speaking, Paul is helping the Roman Church to understand there is no gray area between these two Kingdoms. With sin and trespass comes death. When we accept the free gift of a relationship with Christ, we have been given a new life and are new creatures with a citizenship in Heaven.

4) What is the only solution for the Kingdom of Death described in Paul?
There is only one answer to be given to the Kingdom of Death…grace! Where sin abounds, grace all the more. Yes, one man brought sin into the world yet with Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, life and reconciliation became available for all of creation!

The Everyday Application

1) How can studying the previous part of Paul’s sermon affect my everyday life?
As we read this passage in Romans, we must question spiritually where we find ourselves. Paul clearly describes two very different kingdoms. It is important that we remember we have a choice….every day we have a choice to which kingdom we will belong.

2) What two men, a bringer of death and a bringer of life, does Paul refer to in this passage?
The death and sin brought by Adam forever changed the face of humanity and the relationship between God and His creation. God was neither unaware of the rift nor unprepared to mend it, and from the very beginning of time, He set a plan in motion. With the gift of His Son, He would make right what Adam and Eve did in the Garden. Through His Son, Jesus’s death on the Cross we can cry out with victory because we can have assurance that through this one man all was made right. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (2 Corinthians 15:55)

3) What are the results of the trespass and the free gift? (v. 16)
When we accept the free gift given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, there is life abundant. (John 10:10) There is peace in the midst of a crazy chaotic world and Jesus has the power to overcome it all. (John 16:33) The free gift of Christ redeems the sin in our life, the past we run from, and the present we struggle in. Christ restores!

4) What is the only solution for the Kingdom of Death described in Paul?
 The Kingdom of Death is indeed alluring at times and seems like a good place to be until you recognize that you were never meant to be there. In our sin, even when it feels good in the moment, God whispers (sometimes louder than others) this is not what I want for you, this is not who I created you to be. The only escape from the Kingdom of Death is to run with full abandon into the Kingdom of Life where there is a Savior waiting with open arms to wipe clean the slate of sin!

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I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
3) Write down your questions as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God in your everyday!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Remade Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

The Why!

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Remade!

Day Four
Desperate To Return: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper posts are intended to help us go farther into God’s word than a simple surface reading
and are designed to help us discover new tools in the process.
Curious as to why we Dig Deeper? Here’s Why! 

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s Journey Post? Check out Desperate To Return!

Genesis 3

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool[c] of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”

16 To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for[f] your husband,
and he shall rule over you.”

17 And to Adam he said,

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.”

20 The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.[g] 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

My Questions

1) What tactic does the serpent use to convince Eve to eat the fruit of the tree?

2) Why did God ask “Where are you?” when He already knew the answer?

3) What does Scripture say about how Adam and Eve felt after their choice to disobey God and how did their actions towards each other and God change because of that?

4) Who is the “Us” in v.22, I thought there was only one God?

5) In the last part of the chapter, what kind of relationship do Adam and Eve have with God?

The Tools

A trip to www.studylight.org is in order here.
We will get super cozy with this site as we study Scripture together!
Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom!
It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse?
Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage?
Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

The Findings for Original Intent

1) In v.1, the serpent is described as “crafty”. Crafty in the original language means just that sly, shrewd, and subtle. The serpent in his crafty wordplay takes what God intended to be good and leads Eve to a place of questioning God’s motives in setting a boundary with the tree. When the conversation is over, Eve moves from understanding God’s boundaries to questioning God’s boundaries and motives. In v.6, Eve sees that the tree is good and the fruit is delightful to her. A subtle lie by the serpent plants the seed for sin and lust in the eyes of Eve.

2) God knows exactly where Adam and Eve are both physically and spiritually. There is no doubt what events have transpired in the Garden. God, despite what He knows is still pursuing Adam and Eve. He loves them enough not to leave them in their shame and sin. He is seeking them out even though they are hiding from Him. God desires relationship and communication and is giving them an opportunity to stand before Him.

3) In v.8, Adam and Eve are hiding. In v.10, Adam says he was afraid of God because of his nudity. The first part of the conversation is between Adam and God. Two emotions that have never been a part of creation before have now entered: shame and fear. Adam and Eve are shameful and hiding but are also afraid of God. Genesis 2:25 says Adam and Eve felt no shame. They had no knowledge of shame until their choice to disobey.

As that conversation continues in v. 12, Adam blames Eve for what has happened. When God confronts Eve she blames the serpent. The relationship between man and God now has enmity and shame and the relationship between husband and wife has blame and finger pointing. None of which existed before the Fall.

4) “Us” is a plural word referring to more than one person. Although it is a bit tricky with this verse, this is one of the first references to the Trinity. The same reference is made in Genesis 1:26 where God is speaking about the creation of man and says, “Let Us make man in Our own image according to Our likeness…”. God is one yet with three distinctions in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

5) Doing a little word research on the word “drove out” in v.24, the definition implies that God intended to expel, cast out, divorce, thrust away, and drive away Adam and Eve from the Garden. The relationship between man and God had changed for all eternity. Man is now separated from God and relationship is permanently severed. Well, at least for a little while until a Savior, in the form of a perfect infant, comes on the scene.

Some Applications for Our Everyday Lives

1) Check out how that crafty serpent leads Eve’s train of thought! We can so easily be tempted to question God, question His motives, and question His commands. We don’t sin by questioning, but by letting our doubt dictate our actions. For Eve, the delight for the fruit, the lust in her eyes and heart, lead her to make a fatal choice. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Think about ways you may be trusting your own understanding instead of God’s and ask for His truth to be made evident so you can cling to it!

2) God’s pursuit is eternal. The moment the Fall happened, God begin pursuing His creation to make things right. He sacrificed His Son in pursuit of relationship with us, to rectify the gap between man and Himself. Romans 8:38-39 describes the type of pursuit that God has for us in that, “…neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is no sin too great for the pursuit of God. In other words, there is no past, no sin, no brokenness, no hurt that is beyond His redemption! 

3) With the Fall came death and eternal separation from God. With that separation comes fear (not the good kind), shame, and blame. This ugly trio shows up in our own lives! In our sin there is shame, blaming of circumstance or blaming others, but with Christ, we can free from that ugliness! Shame is not part of our eternal destiny once we accept Christ and live in relationship with Him. Turn over areas you identify as shame and let Christ’s freedom unlock you from Enemy territory!

4) The Trinity a word that you will never find in Scripture. Although the word itself is not there, evidence of the Trinity exudes. We know that God is one, 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” This is just one example of the delineation of the roles of God. God the Father, Abba…God the Son, Jesus the Perfect Sacrifice and Risen Lord….God the Holy Spirit, our Helper and prayer warrior until the Son returns. Take comfort in the fact that the One True God is complete and all encompassing as He guards our hearts!

5) When we read this passage, there is a temptation to stop and think the story ends there. That is powerful truth of God and His Word….the story just begins there! The entire Bible is written as a love story. It tells of God, the one True God, desiring to restore what was broken. All throughout the Old Testament we see God sending “saviors” for His people in the form of prophets and judges because He wanted to restore our relationship with Him. God desired to fix the problem of broken humanity because He knew in and of ourselves we could not. The Fall represents our brokenness, our shame, our need for God to make it right….and He does at the cross! If you’ve invited Jesus to be your Savior, you don’t have to live in the past, instead dance freely in the redemption of your return!

Want To Try It For Yourself?!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
3) Write down your questions as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers.
Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes
(click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and
embrace the fullness of God in your everyday!

Share Your Thoughts with the GT Community!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Desperate! Don’t miss out on the discussion – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? See all past studies in Desperate!